May is National Physiotherapy Month

Please join us in celebrating National Physiotherapy month. Physiotherapists are an important part of the falls prevention team.

Who we are - Physiotherapists are experts in the assessment and treatment of injury and disability.

How we can help - Falls are a leading cause of injuries in older adults. Physiotherapy is highly effective in preventing and reducing the risk of falls. Physiotherapists can develop customized exercises to promote strength, improve balance and improve function. They can also assess the home for fall hazards. Simple changes like removing obstacles, securing carpets and installing night lights greatly reduces the risk of falls.

Local resources to prevent falls - Prairie Mountain Health is pleased to offer the Functional Independence Program in several of our communities including Brandon, Virden, Dauphin, Minnedosa and Neepawa. Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and rehabilitation assistants provide exercise and education in the home for 8-12 weeks. The goal of the program is to help improve function and prevent falls. Participants in the program assessed as a medium fall risk at the beginning of the program are usually deemed a low fall risk by the completion by the program.

If you think you or your loved one would benefit from physiotherapy speak to your doctor, nurse or primary health care provider.